The documentary aired on ITV, titled Maternity: Broken Trust, has shed light on the heartbreaking story of Jack and Sarah Hawkins, whose daughter, Harriet, was stillborn at Nottingham City Hospital in April 2016 due to failings in her care. The couple is now advocating for a public inquiry into England’s maternity services, hoping to bring attention to the systemic issues that led to their devastating loss.
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) has issued an apology for the pain and suffering experienced by bereaved families, acknowledging the need for improvements in maternity services. An independent review is currently underway, making it the largest maternity investigation in NHS history. However, the final report is not expected until 2025, leaving families like the Hawkins feeling unheard and frustrated.
Ms. Hawkins expressed her concerns about the state of maternity services across England, emphasizing the need for a nationwide public inquiry to address the widespread issues. She highlighted the similarities between the ongoing maternity review and other scandals, such as the Post Office and infected blood inquiries, underscoring the importance of families coming together to demand accountability and change.
Dr. Hawkins echoed his wife’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for answers to prevent further devastation and financial costs associated with failings in the healthcare system. He stressed that investing in a public inquiry now could save billions in the long run, calling for a reevaluation of how maternity services operate to prioritize patient safety and well-being.
NUH chief executive, Anthony May, acknowledged the failures within the trust and pledged to listen to women and families to improve services. He expressed hope that the ongoing review will provide the necessary answers and closure to those affected by the shortcomings in maternity care.
In response to calls for a statutory inquiry into England’s maternity services, the government has allocated £165 million annually since 2021 to enhance neonatal services. This investment aims to address the systemic issues in maternity care and prevent future tragedies like the one experienced by the Hawkins family.
As families continue to advocate for accountability and improvements in maternity services, it is crucial for healthcare providers and policymakers to listen to their feedback and take decisive action. By prioritizing patient safety and investing in comprehensive inquiries, the healthcare system can work towards preventing similar tragedies and ensuring better outcomes for all families.
